Lorain County, Cuyahoga County trash pickup still moving along slowly

CARLISLE TOWNSHIP -- Trash pickup will continue through the remainder of the week, but a picket line at Republic Waste does not have an end in sight, an official said.

Pickup is currently being done by non-union workers brought in from out of state.

"We're trying to cover everything we can," said Dave Kidder, spokesperson for the company.

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In Lorain, winds have knocked over bins and sent trash spilling into the streets in numerous locations. Drivers along East Erie Avenue and West 21st Street dodged boxes and bags late Thursday afternoon.

Trash pickup is more than two days behind schedule, Kidder said.

"I don't think we'll finish this week, even if we work Sunday," he said.

Residents should continue to leave their trash outside so it can be picked up once workers reach the area.

"Hopefully we'll be able to get back on some sort of normal schedule next week," Kidder said. "Hopefully."

In Avon today, Cooper Disposal will have containers at Avon City Hall, Northgate Park, Veterans Park and the Utilities Building.

Avon Lake told residents that trash should be collected by 6 p.m. yesterday, and if not to report it. The city also would call residents by 6 p.m. Sunday about the Monday pickup situation.

In Bay Village, city workers were picking up yard waste, as company workers picked up only household trash on a delayed basis. Pickup of recyclables has been suspended.

The strike started in the Youngstown area with 23 landfill workers, all members of Teamsters Local 377, and has since spread. Workers have alleged unfair labor practices as the reason for the strike.

Approximately 600 Ohio workers at facilities in Youngstown, Columbus, Canton, Carlisle Township and Cleveland have refused to cross picket lines. Similar pickets have started in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, California, Georgia and Tennessee.

The strike and picketing will continue indefinitely until an agreement is reached between Local 377 and Republic, union officials said.

"Youngstown is still set up here in Elyria and so long as they are here, we'll honor their picket," said Martin Jay, spokesperson for Local 20, which represents Republic Waste workers in Lorain County. "As long as they need our support, Local 20 will be 100 percent behind them."